Thistledown Bachelors Block Shiraz 2018

The first ‘single site’ release and a wine that sets the benchmark for contemporary fine wine from the Barossa. We’ve been working with this grower for a number of years and though all of his fruit is very solid, one particular block always stood out, irrespective of the year. In 2018 we carefully hand-picked a portion of the block allowing us to do whole bunch ferments which added another dimension to the already epic fruit.

A complex and savory nose with hints of graphite, licorice, spice and blackberry. The palate is well balanced with dense, smoky black fruits and beautifully polished, glossy tannins that provide a mouth-filling yet succulent, energetic finish.

Above average rainfall in July and August filled soil profiles and dams but from then on the season was very dry. It is this dry weather that characterized the 2018 season and the low disease pressure coupled with ideal conditions for flowering and early development set the vines up for an excellent season. With virtually no rainfall between January and April, fruit quality in all areas was very good though some heat stress in February led to isolated defoliation. As we like to pick ‘on the way up’ our season began quickly with several varieties ripening at once but then progressed nicely, with the ability to pick when it suited. We’re familiar with this fruit and so the aim in 2018 was to maximize the potential of the site. As ever, we hand-picked relatively early in order to preserve the fresher aromatics. We’re familiar with this fruit and so the aim in 2018 was to maximize the potential of the site. As ever, we hand-picked relatively early in order to preserve the fresher aromatics.